Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

The Minister should also make a statement indicating the Government is committed to equality, fairness and non-discrimination. Cutting a budget by almost half basically indicates that the Government wants to get rid of the body concerned. The Minister must come good on this and do the honourable thing before Christmas — he should meet Mr. Crowley and ask him if he will reconsider his position and return. We should support and congratulate a person who is doing a good job.

I take the opportunity to wish you, a Chathaoirligh, and the rest of the Members of the House a happy Christmas on this final sitting morning.